Pyrethrin-Nature's Insecticide

We offer our customers a choice of two materials for use in their misting systems. Both are extremely effective and safe when used as intended.

These materials belong to a group of insecticides called Pyrethrins. The two major groupings of these are the components of Pyrethrum, a naturally occurring material, and Pyrethroids which are synthetic analogues or copies, of pyrethrins.

Pyrethrum, which is extracted from a variety of Chrysanthemum flower grown primarily in East Africa, is composed of a mixture of Pyrethrins. It has been used in the West for agricultural purposes for about 100 years. For decades other, stronger and more persistent chemicals have replaced Pyrethrum in general agricultural use. However, Pyrethrum has maintained its role as a post harvest treatment for fruits and vegetables especially during shipment and as a non-residual household pesticide.

There are a number of Pyrethroids which have been developed over the last few decades, but the one that we use is called Permethrin. Permethrin is called an analogue of Pyrethrins because it is very similar in chemical structure and more importantly, it affects insects in the same way.

We offer our customers a choice of either of these materials for use in our misting systems. Each of these has its ownadvantages.

Some people feel more comfortable with a "botanical" material like Pyrethrum which comes from plants. Pyrethrum is classified as a non-residual insecticide. It is very light sensitive and breaks down in sunlight and air very quickly, perhaps in as little as 2 or 3 hours. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage. The fact that it breaks down quickly minimizes the chemical buildup that might otherwise take place in your back yard.

Permethrin, although not officially classified as a non-residual is also light sensitive, although to a lesser degree than Pyrethrum. The result is that it lasts somewhat longer in the environment and provides longer mosquito killing power. Permethrin is generally less expensive and more readily available than Pyrethrum since it is not subject to the same international trade issues.

All Pyrethrins affect an insect's nervous system and cause eratic movement, paralysis and death. They cause a flushing action, driving target insects into the open, out of their hiding places, where they encounter the main insecticide stream which kills or repels them.

Both of these materials are typically used in conjunction with Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO). PBO is often referred to as a synergist, since it enhances the effectiveness of Pyrethrin by decreasing an insect's ability to become resistant to it. Insects have the ability to produce enzymes which detoxify materials in their environment. PBO stunts the insect's ability to produce these enzymes thereby allowing the pyrethrin to do its job. The result is that insects do not become immune to Pyrethrin and a much lower concentration is necessary to be effective.

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